Police: Ballston Spa woman stole $35,000 from 80-year-old

BALLSTON SPA -- A village woman is charged with stealing $35,000 from an elderly woman's bank accounts.

Anita M. Baldes, 54, of Church Avenue was arrested by village police Monday and charged with identity theft, a felony.

Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said the victim is 80 years old and knew Baldes.

Baldes allegedly opened credit cards in the victim's name and ran up thousands of dollars in charges. Police say the theft occurred over the course of 10 months.

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Baldes' bail was set at $500 and she is scheduled to reappear in village court at a later date.

Last week, another local woman was sentenced to prison time for stealing money from an elderly woman. In that case, the theft was committed by a home health care aid who had access to the blind, elderly woman's bank accounts and stole $328,000 over the course of several years.

Murphy offered general tips to protect the elderly from being victimized in this way, including requiring two signatures on personal checks; having a third person who is not a hired caregiver reconcile checkbooks and examine bank statements; having an attorney draft a power of attorney document and go over it with all parties involved; having accounts professionally audited annually; and explaining any special circumstances -- like a caregiver with financial access -- to your local bank, which may be able to offer additional protections.